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Behind Court Violence

It is striking that every reported instance of murder in courtrooms was committed by a man in a divorce case or related matter (news article, Jan. 26). As tragic as such courtroom mayhem is, it would be sadder if judges failed to see it as a symptom of more widespread unseen violence.

Our legal system has always been reluctant to intervene in domestic disputes, but now that metal detectors are being installed to protect judges, perhaps they should be accompanied by more frequent orders of protection and vigorous enforcement of them during divorce cases. The knives and guns should be taken away before they reach the courthouse door. LOIS BRENNER MARLIN S. POTASH New York, Feb. 4, 1993 The writers are, respectively, a lawyer and a psychologist.

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A version of this letter appears in print on February 18, 1993, on Page A00022 of the National edition with the headline: Behind Court Violence. Today's Paper|Subscribe